In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview veteran comic Gerry Carroll discusses his show A Gerry Christmas Caroll.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
My show, A Gerry Christmas Carroll, is a telling of the original Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, using his words and my acting and clowning skills to show why this story has been loved for 182 years, never out of print and always on stage somewhere. Because we would all like to become the best person we can be, and unScrooge ourselves.
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
I’ve loved the book since I was ten years old, so it’s been 62 years in the making. In October 2024 I was looking at transformation stories for my Fringe show, and I realised that this is the obvious one. Also, it almost has my name in it.
How have you approached developing the show?
I have tried to bring out the emotion and the laughter in the story, and I’ve tried it out in scratch nights and done bits of it for people. I’ve added a few explanations of things that we’re not familiar with. Poor Mrs Cratchit used to wash clothes in a copper bowl over a fire in an out-house, and that’s where she boiled the Christmas pudding. People in 1843 would have known what Dickens meant by the pudding singing in the copper, but it means more to us if it’s explained.
How would you describe the style of the show?
It’s a gentle mix of story telling and clown. A quiet show, that’s a little oasis in the madness of Fringe.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Touching, gentle and true.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
Charles Dickens used to do performances of his works and he prepared by drinking champagne and brandy. I’m too old for that. I’m getting fit by regular work-outs in the gym. I’m very lucky to have accommodation arraanged already, so I don’t have the stress of worrying about that. Basically, I plan ahead to reduce stress as much as possible.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
Seeing friends and being part of that special buzz that is Edinburgh Fringe. There’s an excitement like I’ve found nowhere else. And the city is beautiful and full of amazing history. It’s small enough to walk around and also has good transport links. I love the beach at Portobello, a short bus or train ride away. The trams are a great way of getting around,. I stay near somewhere that’s served by the 100 bus which is a 24 hour service for the airport.
What is one hidden gem in Edinburgh that everyone should visit?
You cannot miss the Laundry Cafe in Clerk Street, a very eccentric place where you can get your clothes cleaned and enjoy great coffee. Sometimes there are Scottie dogs there too.
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
There’s an improv show by a group called the One Eyed Scouts in Brewdog, Lothian Road at 6.05 pm in the last week of Fringe, 17th to 24th August. They improvise a movie and then let you meet the “stars” of the show. It’s great fun.
My friend Michelle Burke is doing a show with songs called Mind How You Go, that‘s also great fun. It’s at Zoo Playground for a full run at 12.45,.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw that had a big impact on you?
Jimmy O’Dea in pantomime at the Royal, in Dublin. He was very funny. That was over 60 years ago!
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
I hope they’ll think about one way they could change themselves to make the world better.
Where and when can people see your show?
I’m in a grand little venue called the Attic, above the Mash House. It’s a Just the Tonic venue in Guthrie Street, next to Cowgate. A Gerry Christmas Carroll is at 2.40 pm every day of Fringe except 12th August.
A Gerry Christmas Carroll is performing at Edinburgh Fringe 31st July - 24th August (not
12th) at 14.40 (60 mins), Just the Tonic at the Mash House - Just the Attic (venue 288)
Tickets are available to purchase online from edinburgh.justthetonic.com and edfringe.com, at
the venue box office, or from the Fringe Society at 180 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS
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